Automatic control for switching type conveyers



@QWUQN Qu M l Ln Q May 6,- 1952 K. H. HANSEN Erm.

AUTOMATIC CONTROL FOR SWITCHING TYPE CONVEYERS Filed Sept. 26, 1947 atentecrlv May 6, 1952 AUTOMATIC CONTROL FOR SWTCHING TYPE CONVEYERS Kenneth H. Hansen, white Plains, N. Y., and

Theodore B. Jochem, Wauwatosa, Wis., assignors to Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., a

corporation of Delaware Application September 26, 1947, Serial No. 776,330 I Claims. (Cl. 19K-79) This invention relates to power driven conveyors and more particularly to automatic control means for systems affording switching of materials from separate sources of supply to a common delivery point.

' In the application of Warren H. Bacon and Kenneth H. Hansen, Serial No. 736,012, filed February 21, 1947, and` assigned to the assignee of the instant application, there is disclosedan improved conveyor switch which provides for the transfer of a stream of papers from either cf two separate conveyors, selectively, to a common conveyor. The present invention has among its ob,-A jects to provide for such and other conveyor apparatus automatic control means which functions to effect appropriate positioning of .the conveyor switch according to whichever of the two sepae rate conveyors is active.

Another object is to effect through the aforementioned control means automatic starting and stopping of the power shifting means for said conveyor switch.

Another object is to provide control means of the aforementioned character which prevents shifting of the conveyor switch while papers are being supplied by either of said two separate conveyors to `'said common conveyor.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

-.The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention which will now be described; it being understood that the embodiment illustrated is susceptible ofyarious modificationszwithout departing from the scope ofthe appended claims.

In the drawings: f

Figure lis a more or less schematic showing in some detail of a conveyor switch, portions of the system. adjacent thereto, and means affordingL control for the conveyor switch.

'-Fig.; Bis. a diagrammatic showing of an automatic control system lembodying the means for controlling the conveyor switch shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. 1, it shows a conveyor switch u nit `5, two` separate conveyors B and I which are individuallyadapted to convey streams of papers` from separate press folders v(not shown), to conveyor switch unit 5,- and acommon conveyor 8 which is adapted to transfer the streams of papers from the switch unit 5 to a delivery table (notl shown). AConveyors 'I and =`8 have end pulleys in switch unit 5. Conveyor 6 terminates at a, sectionjoint 9 adjacent to andl at the right of `switch'unit 5; the arrangement of the conveyor switch and the conveyors associated therewith being substantially the same as previously disclosed in the aforementioned application.

A reversible electric motor I, shown schematically in Fig. 1 is provided for the shifting of an element of the switch unit 5 to one or the other of two extreme operating positions to eifectra series relation between'conveyors 6 and f8 or alternatively between conveyors I and 8. Motor IIJ, when energized, is adapted to rotate a shaft I I, carried by switch unit 5, in opposite directions to either of two eXtreme positions through the medium of a pinion lo@ fixed on the motor shaft which drives a gear IIa fixed on shaft II. As

disclosed in the aforementioned applicatiomrotation of the shaft II to said extreme positions effects appropriate positioning of a plurality of switch arms, such as the arm I2, which are xed thereto adjacent one end of the latter and suitably spaced thereon across the width of the switch unit. Each of the arms is provided at its free end with a short shaft I3 on which a pair of free running pulleys are mounted. The last mentioned pulleys have individualized belts adapted to run thereon to effect a series relation between corresponding belts of conveyors 6 and 8 or conveyors 'l and 8 according to the positioning of the arms I2; one of said belts assuming an ineective position while the other effects a series relation as aforementioned and vice versa.

In the present embodiment. shaft I l is provided i with another arm I4 rigidly xed thereto adjacent one end of the latter at an angular relation to the arm I'2. Arm I4 is provided with a cam I5 rigidly attached to its opposite end. Cam I5 is preferably provided with a flat cam surface which is adapted to engage with a roller follower.

through the movement of its operating arm I'I to corresponding operating positions.

The arm I4 is shown in full lines to correspond to the position assumed when the arm I2, .alsc shown in full lines, is positioned in its extreme operating position to eiect a series relation of one of the divertible belts aforementioned with the corresponding beltsv of the conveyorv VandV the conveyor 8*. The arm I'l and cam I5 are likewise shown in full lines to depict the positions assumed when arm I4 v`is in the position Vlast mentioned. Conversely, the arm I4 is shown 4in broken lines tov correspond to the position assumed when the arm I2, also shown in broken lines, is in its other extreme operating position to effect a series relation of the other divertible belt aforementioned with the corresponding belts of the conveyor 'I and the conveyor 8. Arm II and cam I5 are likewise shown in broken lines to depict the positionsy assumed whenl the arm I4 is moved to the last mentioned position.

Respective portions of conveyors 6 and 1 are shown enlarged in Fig. 1 to depict their operative relation to switches I9 and 2D, respectively,

which are of the so-called paper-break type.4

The switches I9 and 20 are provided with actuating arms 2| and 22, respectively, each movable.. in a plane between adjacentconveyor belts; of I its respective conveyor. Arms 2| and 22 are provided, with arcuate surfaces adjacent their free ends which are adapted to ride on streams 2I.- The arm 22 of switch 20 is likewise pivotal-r lysupported in the same manner and is provided witha-boss r22"-`which isadapted to engage with a switch operatingplunger 29a and to move it against its bias in the same man-ner as described for switch I9.

switch- Is is depicted in theoperatmg position'vassumed by it when` a stream of papers is beingcarried by the conveyor with which itisV associated, the arcuate surface of the arm 2| being shown as engagingwith the papers being carried by-the conveyor 6. The arm 2| then is in a position such thatvthe plunger I9a is moved by` its bias toV avposition outwardly of the switchy Switch 20,A onthe` otherhand, is depicted in the-operatingv position assumed by it when there is nostream of `papers'being conveyed by the conveyor `associated therewith. The operating arm 22 is shown ina position such that the plunger 20a ismoved inwardlyv against its bias with respectto the switch housing.

The electric circuit -commutations effected `by switches I9 and 20 in-the operating positions aforementioned will be hereinafter described. Switches I9 and 2i! maybe respectively mounted relative -to conveyors B and-1 anywhere between the -press folders and conveyor'switch unit 5 as preferred.

A reversing type of electrical controller 23 is represented byy arectangle in Figure` 1, and as will be later apparent provides for the establishment of power circuits for `themotor I0 for energization of the latter to run in opposite directions vselectively in response to coaction of limit switch I8 and switches I9 and 2i)- Referring to Figs. 2, it shows the wiring connectionsof controller 23, motor Il, limit switch I8 'and switches I9 and 20 with respect to the power supply lines Ll and L2.

Controller 23 is shown as comprising a pair ofmechanically interlocked electromagnetic contactors 24 and 25 which areadapted to bemoved to--circuitclosing positions by their respectivev electromagnetic operating coils 24a andA 25a.. The mechanical interlock-,as represented by the double ended lever 23a, prevents operation of contactor 25 when contacter 24 is closed and vice versa.

Contactor 24 is provided with three sets of normally open contacts 24D, 24c and 24d. Contactor 25 is likewise provided withthreesets of normally open contacts 25h, 25c and 25d.

Limit switch I8 is provided with a set of contacts I8a which are adapted to be closed when its operating arm I'I is moved to one extreme position. It is also provided with another set of contacts I8b which are adapted to close when its operating arm I' is moved to the opposite extreme position.

Switch I9 isprovided with a pair of contacts I9b which are adapted to be closed when plunger I9- is moved inwardly against its bias as aforementioned. It is also provided with a set of contacts Llc which are adapted to be closed when the operating plunger I9EL moves outwardly of the switch housing under its bias. Switch 2D is provided with a set of contacts 2b which are.

adapted to be closed when plunger 2|]a is moved inwardly with respect to the switch housing against its bias. Switch 20 is also provided .with a set of contacts 2E]c which are adapted to be closed when the plunger 2i)a moves outwardly with respect to the switch housing under its bias.

Motor I0 is shown as having a main stator winding Iilawith end terminalsv T1 and T2, and also is shown as having an auxiliary-stator winding Iilb with end terminals T3 and T4. It is assumed thatmotor I0 is of theso-called splitphase induction type of single phase A. C. motor. However, as will be apparentto. those skilled in the art the control herein set forth may be readily adapted to other types of single phase motors, direct current motors or even multi-phase A. C.

motors Figs. 1 and 2 considered together will afford an understanding of the operation of the auto..

' -switch I8, and switches I9 and 20 are in the respective positions assumed after the arm I2 of conveyor switch unit 5 has :been positioned as shown in broken lines in Fig. 1. In this position a stream of papers conveyedbythe conveyor 'I.

vwill be transferred to `conveyor 8 whenever the former is active.

However, switch unit 5 may beJreposltioned automatically to, its other operating position when papersl are thereafter conveyed by con- I moves past the switch' I9, its operating arm 2| 1 is lifted upwardly and the plunger ISl is then' permitted to move outwardly of the switch housing under its own bias to effect closing of the contacts I9 and opening of contacts I9b; switch I9 remainingv in this operating position so long as papers are being conveyed by the conveyor 6.

Positioning of the switch I9 as last mentioned establishes a circuit from supply line L1, through contacts I8a of limit switch I8, through coil 248-71 of switch 24,- through contacts ISC'of switch I9 and-through contacts 2|)b of switch 20 to the supply line L2. This effects energization of opera ating coil 24a of Contactor 24 which in turn closes contacts 24h, 24c andv 24d -of the latter. Thereupon, a power circuit is established from line L1,4

through-contacts 24Il to. terminal Tl of motor I0.

.is through winding Ifterminal T2 to line L2. Arf

" for switch I9 in Fig. 1.

secondl power circuit is also established from line L1, throughl contacts 24d to terminal T3 of motor Ill..` through winding I b, terminal T4 and con tacts 24c to line L2. Motor I0 is thus energized to run in a direction to provide for movement of the arm I2 of switch unit 5 towards the position depicted in full lines lin Fig. 1.l Arm I2 is lprevented from being moved beyond this position bythe operation of the limit switch I8 through the medium of movement of its operating arm I-I to the position depicted in fulllines by the rollerV follower I6 and the cam I 4 :as kaforedescribed. When the operatingarm 'I'Ioflimit switch I8 is moved to the last mentioned-position, the contacts I8EL open, thus opening the circuit to the operating coil 24a of contactor 24 which causes the contacts 24h, 24. 24d to open thereby stopping the motor I0.

In the operating position of conveyor switch unit thus attained, papers will be transferred to conveyor 8 whenever the same are being conveyed by the conveyor Ii.v Even though the switch is purposely or accidentally moved to the operating .position depicted for switch I9 in Fig. 1, it will be impossible to effect repositioning of the arm I2 of switch unit 5. If switch 20 were so operated while papers were being conveyed by the conveyor 6l the contacts 20 would close and contacts 2l)b would open. But it would not be possible to establish a circuit from line L1 through operating coil a of contactor 25 to L2 as the contacts ISIh of switch I9 would be open whenever papers are being conveyed by the conveyor 6. It is necessary that switch I9 be returned to the normal position depicted for the switch 20 in Fig. 1 before it would be possible to eiect a change in operating position of the switch unit 5 through the operation of the switch 20.

When conveyor 6 is no longer active and conveyor I subsequently becomes active again,v

switch unit 5 will be automatically repositioned back to the operating position depicted in broken lines, as follows:

A stream of papers carried by conveyor 'I will move switch 20 to the operating position depicted The contacts 20D will open and the contacts 2l)c will close. Switch I9 will have previously returned to the operating position depicted for switch 20 in Fig. 1 assuming all papers to have been removed from yconveyor 6. Therefore contacts I9b will be closed and contacts I9c will be open while limit switch I8 will have been positioned as aforedescribed so that contacts Illa will be open and contacts Ish will be closed. Thus, a circuit will be established from line L1, through contacts I8o of limit switch I8, through operating coil 25a of contactor 25, through contacts 20c, of switch 29 and through contacts I9b of switch I9 to line L2. This effects venergization of operating coil 25a of contactor 25 and contacts 25h, 25c and 25d will then close.

Closing o f contacts 25h, 25 and 25d thereupon energizes the motor I0 to run in an opposite direction from that aforementioned. The power connections of winding II)a being the same as previously described and the power connection of the winding II)b being reversed from that previously described.

When the arm I 2 reaches the opposite extreme position, depicted in broken lines in Fig. 1, limit switch I8 operates, thereby opening contacts Ib and closing contacts I8a. Operating coil 25a is thereby de-energized and contacts 25h, 25c and 25d open and the motor I0 is stopped.

It will not be possible to effect repositioning of switch unit 5 againV until switches I9 and 29 are' moved to relatively reverse .positions from those last mentioned. Thiswill only obtain when conveyor 'I subsequently becomes inactive and con-,-

veyor 6 becomes active again.

What we claim as new and desire to secure.;-

by Letters Patent is:

l. The combination with conveyor apparatus..

including a switch adjustable to` convey to a given point materialsdelivered from either of two sources, of a reversible electric motorior.

adjusting said. conveyor switch, a power supply for said motor, and control means for said motor responsive to supply of material from either ofi` said sources to connect said motor to said powerl supply for operationin opposite directions selectively for appropriate positioning of said con, veyor switch if not occupying a positionapproincluding a switch adjustable to convey to a given` point materials delivered from either of two sources, of a reversible electric motor for adjusting said conveyor switch, a power supply for said motor, and control means for said motor responsive to supply of material from either of said sources to connect said motor to said power supply for operation in opposite directions selectively for appropriate positioning of said conveyor switch ii not occupying a position appropriate to the source of material, said control means comprising interconnected switches individualized to the sources supplying said conveyor apparatus and being sensitive to action and inaction of the respective sources but being so interconnected that any one of the same in action is free from interference by another, and said control means further comprising a double throw limit switch operatively associated with said conveyor switch and coacting with the rst mentioned switches.

3. The combination with conveyor apparatus including a switch adjustable to convey to a given point materials delivered from either of two sources, of a reversible electric motor for adjusting saidvconveyor switch, a power supply for said motor, and control means for said motor responsive to supply of material from either of said sources to connect said motor to said power supply for operation in opposite directions selectively for appropriate positioning of said conveyor switch if not occupying a position appropriate to the source of material, said control means comprising a double throw limit switch operatively associated with said conveyor switch and also comprising interconnected switches individualized to the sources supplying said conveyor apparatus and being `.sensitive to action and inaction of the respective sources, the latter switches being coactive with said limit switch to effect operation of said motor in opposite directions selectively and their interconnections rendering operation of said motor dependent upon relatively reverse settings of said meenam electromagnetic: switches.; fon-connecting. saidV motorftcrsaidl powerpsupplyfor operation. ofisaid motorsinzopposite directionsiselectively, a double 1 throw limit'.- switchi operativelxa associated with:

said conveyor switch; toassume differentposittonsselectively accordingjttot theiposition ofzsaid conveyor switch, and electrically;interconnected.

switches-.individualizedL toA the .sources of supply of` said; conveyor apparatus, theVv switches last mentioned .being sensitive to ;ac.tion Aand inaction of :the respective sourcesiand being .coactive with saidi limit-switch1 toi` effect: energization of Y one or;l the othersoifsaid; electromagnetic switches, for '.01:erationanappropriate` positioning of said consleyor;v switch .byi said` motor ifv said conveyor.

switch-does l.not .'oc-rzixp'y;` an. appropriate' position,

thelectricai interconnections-.fof 'said individualized a; switches. renderings, each..- when effecting; a givvenzsettingaof. .said .conveyoizswitchl effectiveV .to maintain- Suche. settingr while; demanded. by.: its;

respectivesupply of material.;

5: .The .combinations with conveyor; apparatus. includ-ing,r at switch. adjustable:A toA convey.- to, a given point materials;` deliveredfrom: either of two-A sources... of a. reversible. electric..` motor for adjusting. said. conveyor: switch; a supply, of. powerr electromagnetic.. switches for: connecting. saidfmotorxtoi said '.source fori operation.v of. said motonin.; opposite directions -se1ecti.vely,V a1.doub1e:.

throw limit switch. operatively associatedv with. said conveyor.: switch to assume differentv post-jy tions. selectively according. to .the position` of said conveyor switch. and electrically:interconnectedf switchesindividualized to the-sources of supplyl switches requiring .'loy.Y virtue ofthe interconnections' of said individualized switches: relatively:

reversevr settings'lof theiatteri'switches.

KENNETH (HANSEN.l THEODOREf iB. J OCHEM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references areof record in the le'of this patent:

UNITED` STATES vPATENTS Number Name Date 1 1,100,262` Seaman .June'16;19141 1,998,065 Anderson' Apr.' 16,v 1935A 2,304,447 

